byu application essay prompts 2023

Each of the degrees offered at BYU Marriott require a different application essay. This is a very important part of the application. Regardless of your GPA, we recommend that you spend a considerable amount of time answering the questions. We also recommend that you first type your essay into a word processing program, save your essay, and then copy and paste it into the application in the essay box below. If you logout, your application will be saved, but not formally submitted.

Cover the points below in an essay of 100-500 words.

Tell us more about who you are outside of GPA and academic accomplishments. You may consider addressing some of the following topics:  

• Tell us something unique about yourself that we cannot get from your grades alone.  In other words, what differentiates you from every other School of Accountancy applicant?  As examples, tell us about your background, experiences, challenges, attitude, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, motivation, and so forth. 
• Briefly tell us why you want to be a BYU accounting major.
• Tell us about the non-academic demands on your time while you have been an undergraduate student. Examples include work, student athletics, student performing groups, volunteering, family, and so forth.
• To the extent not previously discussed, highlight anything that you feel is important for the Admissions Committee to know in considering your application, including any personal hardships or events that you have faced that may have affected you or your studies.

Please write a 50-300 word response to the following prompt:

• Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/ .
• After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. 

(Updated November 2023)

Business Management

Please write a 100-200 word response to following questions:

• Why are you applying to this major?
• What type of career are you intending to pursue with this major?

Please write a 300-500 word response to following prompt:

• Business management is designed to provide an overview of multiple functional areas of business without emphasizing a specific area. Some of the challenges inherent in this approach include a lack of specialization, challenging career placement, no student cohort, and electives with variable availability.  
• Please explain your understanding of these potential difficulties and how you plan to be successful within these constraints.

In 50-300 words, respond to the following prompt:

• Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/.

(Updated June 2024)

Entrepreneurial Management

In 100-400 words, respond to the following prompt:

• You will be given a link to complete a survey asking you about your experiences and interests.
• After completing the survey, please describe how these experiences and others listed on your resume have prepared you for the entrepreneurial management major.

Answer each question prompt in separate responses of 50-300 words.

• Using a specific experience as an example, describe your process for collecting and analyzing data to evaluate an entrepreneurial opportunity, make a decision, or solve a problem. 
• Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/. After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. 

Experience Design & Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses .

In 400 words or less, please explain how the ExDM major will help you achieve your educational and professional goals. To help you write your response, please be sure to address the following: 

• What are your educational and professional goals? 
• What have you done prior to applying to the ExDM program to achieve your educational and professional goals? 
• How will a degree in ExDM help you achieve your educational and professional goals? 
• What else has uniquely prepared or qualified you to succeed in the ExDM program? 

Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at  https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/.  After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. (50-300 words)

(Updated March 2024)

Please write a brief (100-500 words) essay explaining how getting a degree in finance will help you achieve your personal and/or career goals and why you believe you will succeed in our program and in achieving your personal objectives. Consider addressing the following subjects:

• What are your personal and/or career goals?
• How will getting a finance degree help you achieve your goals?
• What have you done prior to applying to our program to work towards achieving your goals? 
• What experience or exposure do you have to the world of finance (internships, Finance Society involvement, participation in Finance Society trips, important mentors, etc.)?
• What about your past accomplishments demonstrates an ability to succeed in the finance program?
• Is there anything else that has uniquely prepared or qualified you to succeed in the finance program?

Impromptu interview question.

(Updated April 2021)

Global Supply Chain Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses.

• How have you prepared for the Global Supply Chain Major? Please include any interactions with GSCM students, participation in GSCM activities, GSCM classes taken, experiences in clubs, jobs, internships, etc. (100-200 words)
• What appeals to you about the Global Supply Chain Major and how do you plan to use this degree in your future career? Please share specific examples from your life and your future career aspirations. (100-200 words)
• Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/. After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. (50-300 words)

(Updated February 2024)

Human Resource Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses.

• Why are you applying to the Human Resource Management Major? (200-400 words)
• What personal attributes, background, or experiences do you feel will help you excel in Human Resources Management? (For example, you might reference involvement in student organizations such as SHRM, HR-related internships or jobs, etc.)

(Updated March 2023)

Information Systems

Cover the points below in an essay of 300-600 words.

• Tell us about your accomplishments, background, talents, motivation to major in information systems, life experiences, challenges you have overcome, or anything you feel is important for the admissions committee to know.
• What is unique about you or your situation that should be considered with your application?
• Explain any deficiencies or irregularities in your academic record.

Respond to the following prompt in 50-300 words:

Cover the points below in an essay of 100-600 words.

• We want to admit students who will be successful marketers. The key attributes of successful marketers include a passion for marketing, strong work ethic, and the ability and desire to learn. Market yourself by demonstrating evidence of these attributes from your life experiences such as prior work experience, internships, competitions, club participation, or coursework. Describe in detail one or two specific experiences.
• Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/. After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others.

Strategic Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses of 100-200 words.

• Why are you applying to the Strategy major/minor?
• What is it about a career in this area that appeals to you, and why?
• What personal attributes, background, or experiences do you feel will help you excel in the Strategy program?

General Essay Suggestions

The primary purpose of the essay is to help the admissions committee see how you differ from other applicants and to get a picture of who you are in addition to what is on your transcript.

The ideas below are general suggestions. Make sure you directly address the essay prompt for the program   to which you are applying.

• Let the committee know who you are—differentiate yourself
• Consider essay basics: (1) a brief introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, (2) paragraphs/subheadings that support the thesis, and (3) a strong concluding paragraph
• Your essay allows you to expound on what your resume cannot portray; try to complement your résumé rather than repeat its content 
• Be concise; make every sentence count
• Be creative, interesting, and professional
• Be genuine; avoid trying to tell the story that you think the admissions committee wants to hear; your tone will likely show through 
• Avoid cliché phrases or religious sentiments that do not connect to your essay’s core message or show relevance to your interest in business
• More than half of BYU Marriott applicants are returned missionaries—in depth information about your mission may be important but often this information does not distinguish you from others
• Explain how your participation in clubs relating to your preferred major helped you become a better qualified candidate
• Humility is a positive trait, however, you still need to highlight your accomplishments and showcase your strengths
• When telling stories about adversity explain the positive outcomes; focus on what you learned or how you overcame those obstacles
• Similarly, if you feel you need to “explain” low grades or a poor semester, do so in a positive, concise way without making excuses; e.g., include what you’ve learned and how you have changed
• Refer to recent accomplishments—when possible emphasize college experiences over those from high school 
• Talk about your service, church, or work experience in a unique way (e.g. a story); explain how your experiences and qualifications set you apart
• Translate your experiences, even if they are entry-level jobs, into business frameworks, principles, and terminology; e.g., you can explain how your experience working in your local grocery store taught you about basic customer service, inventory management, or showed you the need for technological innovation in an established industry (e.g., self-service check-outs)

How To Get Into BYU (2024)

Tips and tricks for getting admitted into Brigham Young University, complete with an overview of the application, sample admit essays, GPA requirements, and more.

Posted July 11, 2024

How to Prepare for College Admissions Early with Former AdComs and Stanford Students

Starting wednesday, september 11.

12:00 AM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

Overview of byu.

Brigham Young University , located in Provo, Utah, is a private university sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established in 1875, BYU offers a diverse range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

BYU is notable for several things. Most of its students are members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and follow an honor code that includes standards related to dress and grooming, academic honesty, and drugs and alcohol. It is consistently ranked as one of the best-value universities . Likewise, BYU is often ranked among the top universities for foreign language degrees in part because of the LDS church’s heavy emphasis on missionary service.

Can You Go to BYU if You Are Not a Member of the LDS Church?

While it was founded and is supported by The LDS Church, BYU embraces students of all faiths and beliefs. Admission decisions are based on academic merit, personal achievements, and character, rather than religious adherence.

Brigham Young University (BYU) Facts & Figures

• # of International Students: 1,241
• Total # of Graduate Students: 2,842

Demographics + Ethnicity

• Female: 51%
• Single: 58.5%
• Top 3 Nations: Canada, Mexico, South Korea
• Caucasian: 81%
• Hispanic or Latino: 9%
• 2 or More Races: 4.5%
• Pacific Islander: 1%
• American Indian: < 1%
• Transfer Acceptance Rate: 64.8%
• Middle 50% GPA: 3.86-4.00
• Middle 50% ACT: 27-32
• Middle 50% SAT: 1290-1440
• # of Undergraduate Majors: 198
• # of Undergraduate Minors: 113

Undergraduate Tuition (2024-2025)

• Members of the LDS Church: $3,344 per semester
• Non-Members: $6,688 per semester

Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

• On-Campus: $10,396
• Off-Campus: $11,364
• Books and Supplies:$392
• Personal Expenses: $1,984
• Transportation: $2,480
• Loan Fees: $64
• On-Campus: $22,004
• Off-Campus: $22,972
• On-Campus: $28,692
• Off-Campus: $29,660

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Application Prep

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BYU Application Deadlines (2024-2025)

• Applications Open: August 28, 2024
• Priority: November 1, 2024
• Regular Decision: December 16, 2024
• Decisions Released: February 17, 2025

BYU Application Components

Upon submitting your application, only an unofficial high school transcript is required. If admitted, an official transcript must follow.

Class registration relies on the official transcript being received and verified. BYU evaluates GPAs without weighting but considers the rigor of the coursework.

Letters of Recommendation

The BYU application requires three types of letters of recommendation:

• Seminary Recommendation
• High School Teacher Recommendation - Must have taught you a math, English, science, or social science class in your junior or senior year
• Additional Recommendation - Anyone who knows you well and is not a relative. For example, extracurricular supervisors or sports team coaches.

The recommender will receive an email containing a link to a form that they must complete. This form asks recommenders to rate the student on various criteria:

• Demonstrates integrity, and trustworthiness, and fulfills commitments
• Creates a safe environment for classmates to participate and share observations
• Demonstrates problem-solving ability and sound thinking
• Sets and achieves challenging goals

The second part is a section for open-ended responses to specific prompts, such as “What evidence do you see of the applicant challenging themselves academically?”

Please note that BYU only accepts recommendations through this specific form within the application. It is important to communicate this to your recommenders to ensure they do not attempt to submit a separate letter.

Ecclesiastical Endorsement

All applicants, regardless of their affiliation with the LDS church, must submit an ecclesiastical endorsement. This endorsement includes agreeing to abide by the BYU Honor Code and the Dress and Grooming Standards and meeting with two religious leaders to verify that you understand the standards and are capable of committing to them.

Standardized Test Scores

BYU is test-optional through winter 2026. However, as it states on the application, "Applicants are encouraged to submit a test score if they feel it is a good representation of their academic abilities."

What does this mean? Well, you should at least try to take the test and aim for the average of the most recently admitted class. In 2024, the middle 50% of ACT scores were 27-32; for the SAT, it was 1290-1440. For the most recent application cycle, 58.4% of applicants chose to submit a test score.

If you have a lower GPA, it's more important that you do well on the test. If you have a high GPA but score low on the test, you probably won't want to submit the score. The ideal situation, of course, is that you have both a high GPA and test score.

ACT vs. SAT

Take the test that is best for you. Many students naturally score higher on one test than the other. We recommend taking a practice test for both — see how you score and how you felt during each. How was the timing and pacing of questions? How did you do on each section?

BYU SAT Requirements & ACT Requirements

As the BYU site states: "Freshmen applicants who have completed sufficient accredited high school work will have the option to apply with or without an ACT or SAT test."

See here for ACT/SAT guidelines for transfer applicants, international applicants, homeschooled applicants, and concurrent enrollment applicants.

For more info, read The ACT vs. SAT: Which to Take and How to Ace Both and The Best Free Resources to Prepare for the ACT and SAT .

BYU Application Essays

BYU Essay Prompts (2024-2025)

The essays are one of the most important aspects of the application. Freshmen applicants are required to write essays on five topics:

• Describe a topic, idea, or experience that you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. What have you done to learn more or engage further in the topic, idea, or experience? What resources do you use to learn more? (1500 character limit)
• Have you become aware of significant needs in your family, school, and/or community? Please explain how you have worked toward meeting those needs. (1500 character limit)
• Briefly describe a time that your efforts have fallen short, a goal was not accomplished, or an aspiration was not achieved. What steps did you take to recover from this defeat? What resources did you use? How and why are you different today? (1500 character limit)
• Skills and talents
• Life experiences
• Perspectives
• Cultures Tell us your story. What will you contribute to our university community? Be specific. (1500 character limit)
• A BYU education will be spiritually strengthening. BYU students have a unique opportunity to seek learning by study and by faith. Describe the reasons you want to learn in an environment like this. (1500 character limit)

You will also be asked to write about two additional activities to help the AdCom get to know who are as a person. You'll have 300 characters to describe the activity and then 1500 characters to explain why you chose to participate in it and how you benefitted from it.

BYU Essay Tips

• Weave a cohesive narrative. Your application should show who you are, where you've been, and where you're going.
• Don't exaggerate. You don't need to have solved cancer or won a Nobel prize to get into BYU. While you do need to be involved in activities, it's more important that you own what you have done and can explain the significance of it.
• Show impact. How have you impacted your communities? How has your involvement in clubs, sports teams, etc. made those groups better? The BYU AdCom wants to admit students who will make BYU a better place. By showing that you've done that in your other activities, you'll make a stronger case for why they should let you in.
• Get deep. The key to powerful essays is sufficient self-reflection. Take time to understand why you made the decisions you did throughout high school, what you care about in a collegiate experience, why you actually want to go to BYU (specifically), how you will make the most of your time there, and what you're interested in long-term.

BYU Essay Examples

Example BYU Essays From Admits

Use these example essays from successful BYU applicants to help you write the best possible essays

In addition to the essays, BYU applicants will also need to select two activities to go deeper into (1500 character limit). As BYU states:

"While you have most likely been involved in many different activities, you will have an opportunity to write about two activities that will help us get to know you as an individual. You will be able to describe the activity, how long you have participated in it, and how you have benefited from your participation."

New AI Essay Policy & Tips

Starting with the 2023-2024 application and continuing to this year, BYU has added a new step to the application process. You will be required to agree to an Essays and Activities Commitment and adhere to the following:

• You must not pay anyone to assist you with your application
• You may not use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to write your responses
• The work you submit must be entirely your own
• You may seek feedback from others to ensure clarity and effectiveness in responding to prompts
• You may use tools like Grammarly to aid in the writing process

If you have any questions regarding your essays, BYU offers free help through representatives . Be aware that BYU uses software to analyze all admission essays and responses and may revoke admission offers to any student whose essay is determined to have been generated by AI or plagiarized in any form.

Additionally, BYU offers specific essay advice on their website:

• Understand the principles of AIMS and use them in your application
• Generally, prioritize recent experiences over older ones
• Avoid repetition -your essays should not merely duplicate your resume. Instead, use them to showcase different facets of yourself and your experiences
• Remember that the only way BYU will know things about you is for you to explicitly tell them. The admissions committee cannot read your mind; the picture they’ll see is the one you put right in front of them.
• Your essays must reflect your own words and ideas. While others can assist in reviewing them, the content must be your authentic work.
• Above all, be genuine!

The BYU Aims outline the goals of a BYU education. Importantly, they are also part of the criteria that the Admissions Committee uses to evaluate potential applicants.

On its website, BYU outlines the AIMS:

"BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. These are the common aims of all education at BYU. Both those who teach in the classroom and those who direct activities outside the classroom are responsible for contributing to this complete educational vision. A BYU education should be:

• Spiritually Strengthening
• Intellectually Enlarging
• Character Building
• Leading to Lifelong Learning and Service"

In your application, it's crucial to weave in the different Aims. BYU wants students who embody these characteristics; by showing that you do so, you are more likely to be admitted. To get started, make a list for each Aim with any activities/extracurriculars, awards, honors, themes, etc. from your life. Then, you can assign each to a different part of the application. See more about the BYU Aims below.

How to Prepare for BYU Admissions as a High Schooler

Preparing for the BYU application starts years before the deadlines. Here are several things to start doing in your underclassman high school years:

• Join clubs and take leadership positions
• Participate in service projects and organizations
• Take AP classes and do well in them (PS: Read What AP Test Scores Do Colleges Accept? )
• Pursue extracurricular activities
• Cultivate good relationships with teachers, school counselors, and church leaders (bishop, stake president, etc.)

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into BYU?

BYU sets high academic standards for admission, with the middle 50% GPA of admitted students ranging from 3.86 to 4.00 — indicating that most students have achieved straight As or nearly so.

This places BYU among the most competitive private religious universities in the nation. As BYU continues to grow in prominence, competition for admission intensifies. While the university takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, a higher GPA significantly enhances your chances of acceptance.

Aim for an unweighted 4.0 GPA; if you fall short, strive for at least a 3.86. If your GPA is lower, compensate by excelling in the standardized test. Additionally, take AP-level courses to raise your weighted GPA and demonstrate your readiness for college-level academics.

BYU Application Tips

1. paint the picture of a byu student.

On its website, BYU says that there is “no secret formula for admission.” They consider all parts of the applicant holistically and are looking for the AIMS of BYU Education (see above). These principles guide the entire application process, so it's crucial to embody them across all aspects of your application.

• Spiritually Strengthening – They recommend applicants graduate from the LDS seminary and arrive spiritually prepared. The goal of the university is to provide a spiritually uplifting environment in which to gain an education.
• Intellectually Enlarging – Prospective students are advised to pursue challenging coursework in high school and maintain involvement in extracurricular passions. This dual commitment prepares students for academic rigor and personal growth.
• Character Building – Applicants should be just as strong morally as they are mentally; they should have a solid work ethic, be resilient, and be honest.
• Lifelong Learning and Service – One unofficial motto of BYU is, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” Service is a major component of the LDS church and the school, and applicants should have a love of and commitment to serving others.

To align with BYU's expectations, highlight your academic readiness, spiritual preparedness (for LDS applicants), diligence, and alignment with BYU's values. BYU seeks students who will uphold its honor code, prioritize academic excellence, and contribute positively to the campus community.

2. Engage Meaningfully in Extracurricular Activities

Don’t pursue activities that you think BYU “wants” to see in its applicants. Instead, find what brings you joy, and develop your talents in those areas, which may include but are not limited to:

BYU doesn’t care about what you spend your time on (to a certain extent), but rather how you spend your time. Are you becoming a better person? Developing new skills? Contributing to the community? Taking on leadership positions?

As stated on its website, BYU encourages applicants to illustrate their impact through specific examples of meaningful community involvement in their application essays. Don’t take this advice lightly.

Read: How to Build the Best Extracurriculars for College

3. Choose Between the ACT and SAT Based on Your Strengths

BYU holds no preference for either the ACT or SAT, so it's important to select the test that aligns best with your skills and strengths. While both exams cover similar content areas, they differ significantly in format and approach.

Although BYU's average GPA is notably high, the average ACT/SAT scores are slightly less competitive. This presents an opportunity for applicants to distinguish themselves through strong standardized test performance. Each year, the average ACT scores of admitted students increase so aim for a higher-than-average score.

We recommend taking practice tests for both the ACT and SAT to determine which one you perform better on. Develop a comprehensive study plan focusing on improving your weaker areas. Avoid last-minute cramming; preparing for standardized tests requires months of consistent practice, studying, and retaking practice tests to enhance your performance.

By strategically selecting and preparing for the ACT or SAT, you can optimize your chances of achieving a competitive score that strengthens your BYU application.

4. Graduate from Seminary

Historically, graduating from seminary was a crucial requirement for LDS applicants seeking admission to BYU, and it continues to hold significant importance. This achievement not only aligns with BYU's core value of "Spiritually Strengthening" but also signifies your readiness for the university's spiritually enriching environment. Additionally, seminary graduation enhances your connection to potential recommenders, who can serve as mentors and advocates in your application process.

5. Invest in Your Essays

The BYU admissions committee has a specific formula that weighs different parts of the application. Supposedly, one of the most important factors, if not the most important , is the essays. A compelling essay has the potential to offset lower test scores or GPA and illuminate aspects of your candidacy that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Craft a cohesive narrative in your essays that remains focused and builds towards a clear point. Ensure your responses directly address the prompt, reflecting consistently on their relevance to your personal experiences. Your essays should be uniquely yours; if someone else could write the same essay, you probably have some editing to do.

6. Develop Leadership Skills – BYU Values Future Leaders

While listing extracurricular activities is essential, elevating yourself to leadership positions within those activities significantly enhances your prospects for admission to BYU.

Holding leadership roles demonstrates a deep commitment to your interests, cultivates effective communication and interpersonal skills, and showcases your potential for high achievement. BYU actively seeks candidates who show initiative and the capacity to lead, making leadership experience a compelling asset in your application.

7. Foster Meaningful Connections with BYU Staff

All colleges aspire to admit students who want to go to their school. By showing genuine interest in the university’s specific programs, the AdCom will see that getting in means more than checking a box. There are many different ways to do this, but here are a few ideas:

• Participate in campus tours
• Attend on-campus events (Examples: BYU Education Week, seminars, weekly forums, sporting events, sports camps, FSY, plays/musicals, etc.)
• Reach out to the BYU admissions counselors; ask for guidance and inquire about trends they’ve seen in the admissions process

By actively participating in these activities, you not only gain a deeper understanding of BYU but also showcase your genuine commitment and enthusiasm, thereby strengthening your candidacy for admission.

8. Bonus Tip: Take Foreign Language Courses

While not a formal recommendation for admissions, the BYU AdCom weighs classes differently based on certain factors. For example, Honors and AP classes are weighted more heavily than base-level classes. Also, BYU is rumored to pay extra attention to foreign language classes. Another unofficial motto of the school is, “The world is our campus” and the curriculum and standards emphasize the importance of a global education. The BYU Study Abroad Programs are very strong, and over 60% of the student body speaks multiple languages.

By enrolling in foreign language courses, you demonstrate your readiness to contribute to this global perspective, potentially enhancing your application to BYU.

Get Into BYU With the Help of an Expert

Navigating the college application process can be intimidating, but with the guidance of experienced coaches and resources, you can approach it with confidence and clarity. Our team offers a variety of undergraduate admissions coaches who specialize in every aspect of the application journey. Below are some of our top undergrad admissions coaches; see all those with BYU experience here .

Here are several other resources to help you navigate through your applications:

• How to Write a College Application Resume
• The Top 40 College Scholarships
• 4 Tips to Elevate Your College Essay
• Top Questions to Ask a College Admissions Officer

BYU Application FAQs

Does BYU require foreign language?

No, Brigham Young University (BYU) does not require a foreign language for admission. However, having completed foreign language courses in high school can enhance your application and demonstrate academic diversity. Some majors might have specific foreign language requirements, so it's always a good idea to check the program details.

What are the BYU admission requirements?

To gain admission to BYU, applicants must submit the following:

• A completed online application form
• Official high school transcripts
• An ecclesiastical endorsement
• Five essays and two additional activities
• Optional ACT or SAT scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Additionally, BYU considers your high school GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and service experiences.

Is it hard to get into BYU?

BYU has a competitive admissions process. The acceptance rate for 2024 was 68.7%, making it moderately selective. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of your academic achievements, test scores (if submitted), essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement. Strong applicants typically have high GPAs, impressive essays, and robust service or leadership experiences.

Is BYU test-optional? What are BYU's SAT/ACT requirements?

Yes, BYU has adopted a test-optional policy until winter 2026. Applicants for the upcoming academic years can choose whether to submit their ACT or SAT scores. While test scores are not mandatory, submitting them can still strengthen your application, especially if your scores are above the university's average range:

• SAT: 1290-1440

Submitting scores within or above these ranges can bolster your application, even though it is not required. Always check the latest admissions guidelines for the most current information.

How many credits do you need to get into BYU?

BYU does not specify a minimum number of high school credits required for admission. However, a strong college preparatory curriculum is recommended, including:

• 4 years of English
• 3-4 years of mathematics
• 2-3 years of science
• 2 years of social science

Additional coursework in foreign language, arts, and technical education can be beneficial.

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How to Write the Common Application Essays 2024-2025 (With Examples)

The Common App essay is one of the most important parts of your application, but it can be extremely daunting if you’re not familiar with creative writing or what admissions officers are looking for.

In this blog post, we’ll provide advice on how to break down these prompts, organize your thoughts, and craft a strong, meaningful response that admissions officers will notice. If you’d like more free personalized help, you can get your essays reviewed and explore school-by-school essay help on CollegeVine.

Why the Common App Essay Matters

Admissions is a human process. While admissions committees look at grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, there are five students that have great qualifications in those areas for every spot in a university’s class. As an applicant, you need an admissions counselor to choose you over everyone else — to advocate specifically for you. 

This is where essays come in; they are an opportunity for you to turn an admissions counselor into an advocate for your application! Of your essays, the Common App is the most important since it is seen by most of the colleges to which you apply. It is also your longest essay, which gives you more space to craft a narrative and share your personality, feelings, and perspective.

It’s not hyperbole to say that getting the Common App essay right is the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of admission as a senior. 

Overview of the Common App

The Common App essay is the best way for admissions committees to get to know you. While SAT scores, your past course load, and your grades provide a quantitative picture of you as a student, the Common App essay offers adcoms a refreshing glimpse into your identity and personality. For this reason, try to treat the essay as an opportunity to tell colleges why you are unique and what matters to you.

Since your Common App essay will be seen by numerous colleges, you will want to paint a portrait of yourself that is accessible to a breadth of institutions and admissions officers (for example, if you are only applying to engineering programs at some schools, don’t focus your Common App on STEM at the expense of your other applications — save that for your supplemental essays).

In short, be open and willing to write about a topic you love, whether it is sports, music, politics, food, or watching movies. The Common App essay is more of a conversation than a job interview.

What Makes a Great Common App Essay?

A great Common App essay is, first and foremost, deeply personal. You are relying on the admissions committee to choose you over someone else, which they are more likely to do if they feel a personal connection to you. In your essay, you should delve into your feelings, how you think about situations/problems, and how you make decisions.

Good essays also usually avoid cliche topics . A couple overdone themes include an immigrant’s journey (particularly if you’re Asian American), and a sports accomplishment or injury. It’s not that these topics are bad, but rather that many students write about these subjects, so they don’t stand out as much. Of course, some students are able to write a genuine and unique essay about one of these topics, but it’s hard to pull off. You’re better off writing about more nuanced aspects of your identity!

You should also, of course, pay close attention to your grammar and spelling, use varied sentence structure and word choice, and be consistent with your tone/writing style. Take full advantage of the available 650 words, as writing less tends to mean missed opportunities.

Finally, it’s a good practice to be aware of your audience – know who you are writing for! For example, admissions officers at BYU will probably be very religious, while those at Oberlin will be deeply committed to social justice.

See some examples of great Common App essays to get a better idea of what makes a strong essay.

How your Common App Essay Fits with Your Other Essays

The Common App is one part of a portfolio of essays that you send to colleges, along with supplemental essays at individual colleges. With all of your essays for a particular college, you want to create a narrative and tell different parts of your story. So, the topics you write about should be cohesive and complementary, but not repetitive or overlapping. 

Before jumping in to write your Common App essay, you should think about the other schools that you’re writing essays for and make sure that you have a strategy for your entire portfolio of essays and cover different topics for each. If you have strong qualifications on paper for the colleges you are targeting, the best narratives tend to humanize you. If you have weaker qualifications on paper for your colleges, the best narratives tend to draw out your passion for the topics or fields of study that are of interest to you and magnify your accomplishments. 

Strategy for Writing the Common App Essays

Because the Common App essay is 650 words long and has few formal directions, organizing a response might seem daunting. Fortunately, at CollegeVine, we’ve developed a straightforward approach to formulating strong, unique responses.

This section outlines how to: 1) Brainstorm , 2) Organize , and 3) Write a Common App essay.

Before reading the prompts, brainstorming is a critical exercise to develop high-level ideas. One way to construct a high-level idea would be to delve into a passion and focus on how you interact with the concept or activity. For example, using “creative writing” as a high-level idea, one could stress their love of world-building, conveying complex emotions, and depicting character interactions, emphasizing how writing stems from real-life experiences.

A different idea that doesn’t involve an activity would be to discuss how your personality has developed in relation to your family; maybe one sibling is hot-headed, the other quiet, and you’re in the middle as the voice of reason (or maybe you’re the hot-head). These are simply two examples of infinitely many ideas you could come up with.

To begin developing your own high-level ideas, you can address these Core Four questions that all good Common App essays should answer:

• “Who Am I?”
• “Why Am I Here?”
• “What is Unique About Me?”
• “What Matters to Me?”

The first question focuses on your personality traits — who you are. The second question targets your progression throughout high school (an arc or journey). The third question is more difficult to grasp, but it involves showing why your personality traits, methods of thinking, areas of interest, and tangible skills form a unique combination. The fourth question is a concluding point that can be answered simply, normally in the conclusion paragraph, i.e., “Running matters to me” or “Ethical fashion matters to me.”

You can brainstorm freeform or start with a specific prompt in mind.

Sometimes, it can be helpful to start by jotting down the 3-5 aspects of your personality or experiences you’ve had on a piece of paper. Play around with narratives that are constructed out of different combinations of these essential attributes before settling on a prompt. 

For example, you might note that you are fascinated by environmental justice, have had success in Model Congress, and are now working with a local politician to create a recycling program in your school district. You may also have tried previous initiatives that failed. These experiences could be constructed and applied to a number of Common App prompts. You could address a specific identity or interest you have associated with public advocacy, discuss what you learned from your failed initiatives, explore how you challenged the lack of recycling at your school, fantasize about solving waste management issues, etc. 

Selecting a prompt that you identify with

For example, consider the following prompt: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Perhaps you had been a dedicated and active member of your school’s debate team until one of your parents lost their jobs, leaving you unable to afford the high membership and travel dues. You decided to help out by getting a job after school, and responded to your familial hardship with grace and understanding (as opposed to anger). A few months later, and after speaking with your former debate coach and your parents, you set up a system to save up for your own trips so that you could still participate in debate!

In general, the most common mistake CollegeVine sees with Common App essays is that they aren’t deeply personal. Your essay should be specific enough that it could be identified as yours even if your name wasn’t attached. 

If you get stuck, don’t worry! This is very common as the Common App is often the first personal essay college applicants have ever written. One way of getting unstuck if you feel like you aren’t getting creative or personal enough is to keep asking yourself “why”

For example: I love basketball…

• Because I like having to think on the fly and be creative while running our offense.

It can often help to work with someone and bounce ideas off them. Teachers are often a bad idea – they tend to think of essays in an academic sense, which is to say they often fail to apply the admissions context. Further, it is unlikely that they know you well enough to provide valuable insight. Friends in your own year can be a good idea because they know you, but you should be careful about competitive pressures applying within the same high school. Older friends, siblings, or neighbors who have successfully navigated the admissions process at your target universities (or good universities) strike that medium between no longer being competitive with you for admissions but still being able to help you brainstorm well because they know you.

Overall, there is no single “correct” topic. Your essay will be strong as long as you are comfortable and passionate about your idea and it answers the Core Four questions.

Common App essays are not traditional five-paragraph essays. You are free to be creative in structure, employ dialogue, and use vivid descriptions—and you should! Make sure that context and logic are inherent in your essay, however. From paragraph to paragraph, sentence to sentence, your ideas should be clear and flow naturally. Great ways to ensure this are using a story arc following a few major points, or focusing on cause and effect.

The traditional approach

This involves constructing a narrative out of your experiences and writing a classic personal essay. You are free to be creative in structure, employ dialogue, and use vivid descriptions—and you should! Make sure that context and logic are inherent in your essay, however. From paragraph to paragraph, sentence to sentence, your ideas should be clear and flow naturally. Great ways to ensure this are using a story arc following a few major points, or focusing on cause and effect.

The creative approach

Some students prefer to experiment with an entirely new approach to the personal essay. For example, a student who is passionate about programming could write their essay in alternating lines of Binary and English. A hopeful Literature major could reimagine a moment in their life as a chapter of War and Peace, adopting Tolstoy’s writing style. Or, you could write about a fight with your friend in the form of a third person sports recap to both highlight your interest in journalism and reveal a personal story. Creative essays are incredibly risky and difficult to pull off. However, a creative essay that is well executed may also have the potential for high reward.

Your Common App essay must display excellent writing in terms of grammar and sentence structure. The essay doesn’t need to be a Shakespearean masterpiece, but it should be well-written and clear.

A few tips to accomplish this are:

• Show, don’t tell
• Be specific
• Choose active voice, not passive voice
• Avoid clichés
• Write in a tone that aligns with your goals for the essay. For example, if you are a heavy STEM applicant hoping to use your Common App essay to humanize your application, you will be undermined by writing in a brusque, harsh tone.

“Show, don’t tell” is vital to writing an engaging essay, and this is the point students struggle with most.  Instead of saying, “I struggled to make friends when I transferred schools,” you can show your emotions by writing, “I scanned the bustling school cafeteria, feeling more and more forlorn with each unfamiliar face. I found an empty table and ate my lunch alone.”

In many cases, writing can include more specific word choice . For example, “As a kid, I always played basketball,” can be improved to be “Every day after school as a kid, I ran home, laced up my sneakers, and shot a basketball in my driveway until the sun went down and I could barely see.”

To use active voice over passive voice , be sure that your sentence’s subject performs the action indicated by the verb, rather than the action performing onto the subject. Instead of writing “this project was built by my own hands,” you would say “I built this project with my own hands.”

Finally, avoid clichés like adages, sayings, and quotes that do not bring value to your essay. Examples include phrases like “Be the change you wish to see in the world” (it’s also important to know that sayings like these are often seriously misquoted—Gandhi did not actually utter these words) and lavish claims like “it was the greatest experience of my life.”

A few tips for the writing (and re-writing!) process

• If you have enough time, write a 950 word version of your personal statement first and then cut it down to the official word limit of 650. In many cases, the extra writing you do for this draft will contain compelling content. Using this, you can carve out the various sections and information that allow you to tell your story best. 
• Revise your draft 3-5 times. Any more, you are probably overthinking and overanalyzing. Any less, you are not putting in the work necessary to optimize your Common App essay.
• It can be easy for you to get lost in your words after reading and rereading, writing and rewriting. It is best to have someone else do your final proofread to help you identify typos or sentences that are unclear.

Deciding on a Prompt

This section provides insights and examples for each of the 7 Common App essay prompts for the 2024-2025 cycle. Each of these prompts lends itself to distinct topics and strategies, so selecting the prompt that best aligns with your idea is essential to writing an effective Common App essay.

Here are this year’s prompts (click the link to jump to the specific prompt):

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. how did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience, reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. how has this gratitude affected or motivated you, discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. why does it captivate you what or who do you turn to when you want to learn more, share an essay on any topic of your choice. it can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design..

This prompt offers an opportunity to engage with your favorite extracurricular or academic subject, and it allows you to weave a narrative that displays personal growth in that area. An essay that displays your personality and a unique interest can be attention-grabbing, particularly if you have an unconventional passion, such as blogging about Chinese basketball or unicycling.

Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t have a passion that is immediately “unique,” however. Even an interest like “arctic scuba diving” will fail as an essay topic if it’s not written with insight and personality. Instead of attempting to impress the Admissions Officer by making up unusual or shocking things, think about how you spend your free time and ask yourself why you spend it that way. Also think about your upbringing, identity, and experiences and ask yourself, “What has impacted me in a meaningful way?”

Here Are A Few Response Examples:

Background – A person’s background includes experiences, training, education, and culture. You can discuss the experience of growing up, interacting with family, and how relationships have molded who you are. A background can include long-term interactions with arts, music, sciences, sports, writing, and many other learned skills. Background also includes your social environments and how they’ve influenced your perception. In addition, you can highlight intersections between multiple backgrounds and show how each is integral to you.

One student wrote about how growing up in a poor Vietnamese immigrant family inspired her to seize big opportunities, even if they were risky or challenging. She describes the emotional demand of opening and running a family grocery store. (Note: Names have been changed to protect the identity of the author and subjects in all the examples.)

The callouses on my mother’s hands formed during the years spent scaling fish at the  market in Go Noi, Vietnam. My mother never finished her formal education because she  labored on the streets to help six others survive. Her calloused hands not only scaled fish, they  also slaved over the stove, mustering a meal from the few items in the pantry. This image  resurfaces as I watch my mother’s calloused hands wipe her sweat-beaded forehead while she  manages the family business, compiling resources to provide for the family. 

Living in an impoverished region of Vietnam pushed my parents to emigrate. My two  year-old memory fails me, but my mother vividly recounts my frightened eyes staring up at her on my first plane ride. With life packed into a single suitcase, my mother’s heart, though,  trembled more than mine. Knowing only a few words of English, my mother embarked on a  journey shrouded in a haze of uncertainty. 

Our initial year in America bore an uncanny resemblance to Vietnam – from making one  meal last the entire day to wearing the same four shirts over and over again. Through thin walls, I  heard my parents debating their decision to come to the United States, a land where they knew  no one. My grandparents’ support came in half-hearted whispers cracking through long-distance  phone calls. My dad’s scanty income barely kept food on the table. We lived on soup and rice for  what seemed an interminable time. 

However, an opportunity knocked on my parents’ door: a grocery store in the town of  Decatur, Mississippi, was up for rent. My parents took the chance, risking all of their savings.  To help my parents, I spent most of my adolescent afternoons stocking shelves, mopping floors,  and even translating. My parents’ voices wavered when speaking English; through every attempt to communicate with their customers, a language barrier forged a palpable presence in each  transaction. My parents’ spirits faltered as customers grew impatient. A life of poverty awaited us in Vietnam if the business was not successful. 

On the first day, the business brought in only twenty dollars. Twenty dollars. My mother and my father wept after they closed the shop. Seeing the business as a failure, my mom commenced her packing that night; returning to Vietnam seemed inevitable. 

The next business day, however, sales increased ten-fold. More and more customers  came each successive day. My mom’s tears turned into—well, more tears, but they were tears of  joy. My mother unpacked a bag each night. 

Fifteen years later, my parents now own Blue Bear Grocery. My parents work, work,  work to keep the shelves stocked and the customers coming. The grocery store holds a special  place in my heart: it is the catalyst for my success. My parents serve as my role-models, teaching  me a new lesson with every can placed on the shelf. One lesson that resurfaces is the importance  of pursuing a formal education, something that my parents never had the chance of. 

When the opportunity to attend the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science  (MSMS) presented itself, I took it and ran, as did my parents by leaving Vietnam and by buying  the store. Although I am not managing hundreds of products, I am managing hundreds of  assignments at MSMS – from Mu Alpha Theta tutoring to lab reports to student government to British literature. 

Had I not immigrated, my hands would be calloused from the tight grip of the knife  scaling fish rather than from the tight grip on my pencil. My hands would be calloused from scrubbing my clothes covered in fish scales rather than from long hours spent typing a research paper. 

Although the opportunities that my parents and I pursued are different, our journey is  essentially the same: we walk a road paved with uncertainty and doubt with the prospect of success fortified by our hearts and our hands.

Identity – this can mean racial identity, sexual orientation, gender, or simply one’s place within a specific community (even communities as unique as, say, players of World of Warcraft). With the topic of racial identity, it’s important to remember the audience (college admissions counselors often lean progressive politically), so this might not be the best place to make sweeping claims about today’s state of race relations. However, reflecting on how your culture has shaped your experiences can make for a compelling essay. Alternatively, focusing on a dominant personality trait can also make for a compelling theme. For example, if you’re extremely outgoing, you could explain how your adventurousness has allowed you to learn from a diverse group of friends and the random situations you find yourself in. One important thing to note: the topic of identity can easily lack originality if you cover a common experience such as feeling divided between cultures, or coming out. If such experiences are integral to who you are, you should still write about them, but be sure to show us your unique introspection and reflection.

One student detailed how growing up as an American in Germany led to feelings of displacement. Moving to America in high school only exacerbated her feelings of rootlessness. Her transcultural experiences, however, allowed her to relate to other “New Americans,” particularly refugees. Helping a young refugee girl settle into the US eventually helped the writer find home in America as well:

Growing up, I always wanted to eat, play, visit, watch, and be it all: sloppy joes and spaetzle, Beanie Babies and Steiff, Cape Cod and the Baltic Sea, football and fussball, American and German. 

My American parents relocated our young family to Berlin when I was three years old. My exposure to America was limited to holidays spent stateside and awfully dubbed Disney Channel broadcasts. As the few memories I had of living in the US faded, my affinity for Germany grew. I began to identify as “Germerican,” an ideal marriage of the two cultures. As a child, I viewed my biculturalism as a blessing. I possessed a native fluency in “Denglisch” and my family’s Halloween parties were legendary at a time when the holiday was just starting to gain popularity outside of the American Sector. 

Insidiously, the magic I once felt in loving two homes was replaced by a deep­rooted sense of rootlessness. I stopped feeling American when, while discussing World War II with my grandmother, I said “the US won.” She corrected me, insisting I use “we” when referring to the US’s actions. Before then, I hadn’t realized how directly people associated themselves with their countries. I stopped feeling German during the World Cup when my friends labeled me a “bandwagon fan” for rooting for Germany. Until that moment, my cheers had felt sincere. I wasn’t part of the “we” who won World Wars or World Cups. Caught in a twilight of foreign and familiar, I felt emotionally and psychologically disconnected from the two cultures most familiar to me. 

After moving from Berlin to New York state at age fifteen, my feelings of cultural homelessness thrived in my new environment. Looking and sounding American furthered my feelings of dislocation. Border patrol agents, teachers, classmates, neighbors, and relatives all “welcomed me home” to a land they could not understand was foreign to me. Americans confused me as I relied on Urban Dictionary to understand my peers, the Pledge of Allegiance seemed nationalistic, and the only thing familiar about Fahrenheit was the German after whom it was named. Too German for America and too American for Germany, I felt alienated from both. I wanted desperately to be a member of one, if not both, cultures. 

During my first weeks in Buffalo, I spent my free time googling “Berlin Family Seeks Teen” and “New Americans in Buffalo.” The latter search proved most fruitful: I discovered New Hope, a nonprofit that empowers resettled refugees, or “New Americans,” to thrive. I started volunteering with New Hope’s children’s programs, playing with and tutoring young refugees. 

It was there that I met Leila, a twelve-­year-­old Iraqi girl who lived next to Hopeprint. In between games and snacks, Leila would ask me questions about American life, touching on everything from Halloween to President Obama. Gradually, my confidence in my American identity grew as I recognized my ability to answer most of her questions. American culture was no longer completely foreign to me. I found myself especially qualified to work with young refugees; my experience growing up in a country other than that of my parents’ was similar enough to that of the refugee children New Hope served that I could empathize with them and offer advice. Together, we worked through conflicting allegiances, homesickness, and stretched belonging. 

Forging a special, personal bond with young refugees proved a cathartic outlet for my insecurities as it taught me to value my past. My transculturalism allowed me to help young refugees integrate into American life, and, in doing so, I was able to adjust myself. Now, I have an appreciation of myself that I never felt before. “Home” isn’t the digits in a passport or ZIP code but a sense of contentedness. By helping a young refugee find comfort, happiness, and home in America, I was finally able to find those same things for myself.

The above essay was written by Lydia Schooler, a graduate of Yale University and one of our CollegeVine advisors. If you enjoyed this essay and are looking for expert college essay and admissions advice, consider booking a session with Lydia .

Interests – Interest are basically synonymous to activities, but slightly broader (you could say that interests encompass activities); participation in an interest is often less organized than in an activity. For instance, you might consider cross country an activity, but cooking an interest. Writing about an interest is a way to highlight passions that may not come across in the rest of your application. If you’re a wrestler for example, writing about your interest in stand-up comedy would be a refreshing addition to your application. You should also feel free to use this topic to show what an important activity on your application really means to you. Keep in mind, however, that many schools will ask you to describe one of your activities in their supplemental essays (usually about 250 words), so choose strategically—you don’t want to write twice on the same thing.

Read a successful essay answering this prompt.

This prompt lends itself to consideration of what facets of your personality allow you to overcome adversity. While it’s okay to choose a relatively mundane “failure” such as not winning an award at a Model UN conference, another (perhaps more powerful) tactic is to write about a foundational failure and assess its impact on your development thereafter.

There are times in life when your foundation is uprooted. There are times when you experience failure and you want to give up since you don’t see a solution. This essay is about your response when you are destabilized and your actions when you don’t see an immediate answer.

For example, if you lost a friend due to an argument, you can analyze the positions from both sides, evaluate your decisions, and identify why you were wrong. The key is explaining your thought process and growth following the event to highlight how your thinking has changed. Did you ever admit your fault and seek to fix the problem? Have you treated others differently since then? How has the setback changed the way you view arguments and fights now? Framing the prompt in this way allows you to tackle heavier questions about ethics and demonstrate your self-awareness.

If you haven’t experienced a “big” failure, another angle to take would be to discuss smaller, repeated failures that are either linked or similar thematically. For example, if you used to stutter or get nervous in large social groups, you could discuss the steps you took to find a solution. Even if you don’t have a massive foundational challenge to write about, a recurring challenge can translate to a powerful essay topic, especially if the steps you took to overcome this repeated failure help expose your character.

One student described his ignorance of his brother’s challenges — the writer assumed that because his brother Sam was sociable, Sam  was adjusting fine to their family’s move. After an angry outburst from Sam  and a long late-night conversation, the writer realizes his need to develop greater sensitivity and empathy. He now strives to recognize and understand others’ struggles, even if they’re not immediately apparent.

“You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain.

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

When my parents learned about The Green Academy, we hoped it would be an opportunity for me to find not only an academically challenging environment, but also – perhaps more importantly – a community. This meant transferring the family from Drumfield to Kingston. And while there was concern about Max, we all believed that given his sociable nature, moving would be far less impactful on him than staying put might be on me.

As it turned out, Green Academy was everything I’d hoped for. I was ecstatic to discover a group of students with whom I shared interests and could truly engage. Preoccupied with new friends and a rigorous course load, I failed to notice that the tables had turned. Max, lost in the fray and grappling with how to make connections in his enormous new high school, had become withdrawn and lonely. It took me until Christmas time – and a massive argument – to recognize how difficult the transition had been for my brother, let alone that he blamed me for it.

Through my own journey of searching for academic peers, in addition to coming out as gay when I was 12, I had developed deep empathy for those who had trouble fitting in. It was a pain I knew well and could easily relate to. Yet after Max’s outburst, my first response was to protest that our parents – not I – had chosen to move us here. In my heart, though, I knew that regardless of who had made the decision, we ended up in Kingston for my benefit. I was ashamed that, while I saw myself as genuinely compassionate, I had been oblivious to the heartache of the person closest to me. I could no longer ignore it – and I didn’t want to.

We stayed up half the night talking, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. Max opened up and shared that it wasn’t just about the move. He told me how challenging school had always been for him, due to his dyslexia, and that the ever-present comparison to me had only deepened his pain.

We had been in parallel battles the whole time and, yet, I only saw that Max was in distress once he experienced problems with which I directly identified. I’d long thought Max had it so easy – all because he had friends. The truth was, he didn’t need to experience my personal brand of sorrow in order for me to relate – he had felt plenty of his own.

My failure to recognize Max’s suffering brought home for me the profound universality and diversity of personal struggle; everyone has insecurities, everyone has woes, and everyone – most certainly – has pain. I am acutely grateful for the conversations he and I shared around all of this, because I believe our relationship has been fundamentally strengthened by a deeper understanding of one another. Further, this experience has reinforced the value of constantly striving for deeper sensitivity to the hidden struggles of those around me. I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story.

This prompt is difficult to answer because most high schoolers haven’t participated in the types of iconoclastic protests against societal ills that lend themselves to an awe-inspiring response. A more tenable alternative here could be to discuss a time that you went against social norms, whether it was by becoming friends with someone who seemed like an outcast or by proudly showing off a geeky passion.

And if you ever participated in a situation in tandem with adults and found some success (i.e., by blogging, starting a tutoring organization, or participating in political campaigns), you could discuss your experiences as a young person without a college degree in professional circles. However, avoid sounding morally superior (as if you’re the only person who went against this convention, or that you’re better than your peers for doing so).

Another way to answer this prompt is to discuss a time when you noticed a need for change. For example, if you wondered why medical records are often handwritten, or why a doctor’s visit can be long and awkward, maybe you challenged the norm in healthcare by brainstorming an electronic-recording smartphone app or a telemedicine system. In a similar way, if you led a fundraiser and recognized that advertising on social media would be more effective than the traditional use of printed flyers, you could write about a topic along those lines as well. Focus on what action or experience caused you to recognize the need for change and follow with your actions and resulting outcome.

As a whole, this prompt lends itself to reflective writing, and more specifically, talking the reader through your thought processes. In many cases, the exploration of your thought processes and decision-making is more important than the actual outcome or concept in question. In short, this essay is very much about “thinking,” rumination, and inquisition. A good brainstorming exercise for this prompt would be to write your problem on a sheet of paper and then develop various solutions to the problem, including a brief reason for justification. The more thorough you are in justifying and explaining your solutions in the essay, the more compelling your response will be.

While this prompt may seem to be asking a simple question, your answer has the potential to provide deep insights about who you are to the admissions committee. Explaining what you are grateful for can show them your culture, your community, your philosophical outlook on the world, and what makes you tick. 

The first step to writing this essay is to think about the “something” and “someone” of your story. It is imperative to talk about a unique moment in your life, as the prompt asks for gratitude that came about in a surprising way. You will want to write about a story that you are certain no one else would have. To brainstorm, ask yourself: “if I told a stranger that I was grateful for what happened to me without any context, would they be surprised?” 

Note that the most common answers to this prompt involve a family member, teacher, or sports coach giving the narrator an arduous task ─ which, by the end of the story, the narrator becomes grateful for because of the lessons they learned through their hard work. Try to avoid writing an essay along these lines unless you feel that your take on it will be truly original.

Begin your essay by telling a creative story about the “something” that your “someone” did that made you thankful. Paint a picture with words here ─ establish who you were in the context of your story and make the character development of your “someone” thorough. Show the admissions committee that you have a clear understanding of yourself and the details of your world. 

Keep in mind, however, that the essay is ultimately about you and your growth. While you should set the scene clearly, don’t spend too much time talking about the “something” and “someone.”

Your story should then transition into a part about your unexpected epiphany, e.g. “Six months after Leonard gave me that pogo stick, I started to be grateful for the silly thing…” Explain the why of your gratitude as thoroughly as you can before you begin to talk about how your gratitude affected or motivated you. Have a Socratic seminar with yourself in your head ─ ask yourself, “why am I grateful for the pogo stick?” and continue asking why until you arrive at a philosophical conclusion. Perhaps your reason could be that you eventually got used to the odd looks that people gave you as you were pogoing and gained more self-confidence. 

Finally, think about how learning to be grateful for something you would not expect to bring you joy and thankfulness has had a positive impact on your life. Gaining more self-confidence, for example, could motivate you to do an infinite number of things that you were not able to attempt in the past. Try to make a conclusion by connecting this part to your story from the beginning of the essay. You want to ultimately show that had [reference to a snippet of your introduction, ideally an absurd part] never have happened, you would not be who you are today.

Remember to express these lessons implicitly through the experiences in your essay, and not explicitly. Show us your growth through the changes in your life rather than simply stating that you gained confidence. For instance, maybe the pogo stick gift led you to start a pogo dance team at your school, and the team went on to perform at large venues to raise money for charity. But before your pogo days, you had crippling stage fright and hated even giving speeches in your English class. These are the kinds of details that make your essay more engaging. 

This prompt is expansive in that you can choose any accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked personal growth or new understanding.

One option is to discuss a formal accomplishment or event (whether it is a religious ritual or social rite of passage) that reflects personal growth. If you go this route, make sure to discuss why the ritual was meaningful and how specific aspects of said ritual contributed to your personal growth. An example of this could be the meaning of becoming an Eagle Scout to you, the accomplishment of being elected to Senior Leadership, or completing a Confirmation. In the case of religious topics, however, be sure to not get carried away with details, and focus on the nature of your personal growth and new understanding — know your audience.

Alternatively, a more relaxed way to address this prompt is using an informal event or realization, which would allow you to show more personality and creativity. An example of this could be learning how to bake with your mother, thus sparking a newfound connection with her, allowing you to learn about her past. Having a long discussion about life or philosophy with your father could also suffice, thus sparking more thoughts about your identity. You could write about a realization that caused you to join a new organization or quit an activity you did not think you would enjoy, as doing so would force you to grow out of your comfort zone to try new things.

The key to answering this prompt is clearly defining what it is that sparked your growth, and then describing in detail the nature of this growth and how it related to your perception of yourself and others. This part of the essay is crucial, as you must dedicate sufficient time to not undersell the description of how you grew instead of simply explaining the experience and then saying, “I grew.” This description of how you grew must be specific, in-depth, and it does not have to be simple. Your growth can also be left open-ended if you are still learning from your experiences today.

One student wrote about how her single mother’s health crisis prompted her to quickly assume greater responsibility as a fourteen-year-old. This essay describes the new tasks she undertook, as well as how the writer now more greatly cherishes her time with her mother.

Tears streamed down my face and my mind was paralyzed with fear. Sirens blared, but the silent panic in my own head was deafening. I was muted by shock. A few hours earlier, I had anticipated a vacation in Washington, D.C., but unexpectedly, I was rushing to the hospital behind an ambulance carrying my mother. As a fourteen-year-old from a single mother household, without a driver’s license, and seven hours from home, I was distraught over the prospect of losing the only parent I had. My fear turned into action as I made some of the bravest decisions of my life. 

Three blood transfusions later, my mother’s condition was stable, but we were still states away from home, so I coordinated with my mother’s doctors in North Carolina to schedule the emergency operation that would save her life. Throughout her surgery, I anxiously awaited any word from her surgeon, but each time I asked, I was told that there had been another complication or delay. Relying on my faith and positive attitude, I remained optimistic that my mother would survive and that I could embrace new responsibilities.

My mother had been a source of strength for me, and now I would be strong for her through her long recovery ahead. As I started high school, everyone thought the crisis was over, but it had really just started to impact my life. My mother was often fatigued, so I assumed more responsibility, juggling family duties, school, athletics, and work. I made countless trips to the neighborhood pharmacy, cooked dinner, biked to the grocery store, supported my concerned sister, and provided the loving care my mother needed to recover. I didn’t know I was capable of such maturity and resourcefulness until it was called upon. Each day was a stage in my gradual transformation from dependence to relative independence.

Throughout my mother’s health crisis, I matured by learning to put others’ needs before my own. As I worried about my mother’s health, I took nothing for granted, cherished what I had, and used my daily activities as motivation to move forward. I now take ownership over small decisions such as scheduling daily appointments and managing my time but also over major decisions involving my future, including the college admissions process. Although I have become more independent, my mother and I are inseparably close, and the realization that I almost lost her affects me daily. Each morning, I wake up ten minutes early simply to eat breakfast with my mother and spend time with her before our busy days begin. I am aware of how quickly life can change. My mother remains a guiding force in my life, but the feeling of empowerment I discovered within myself is the ultimate form of my independence. Though I thought the summer before my freshman year would be a transition from middle school to high school, it was a transformation from childhood to adulthood.

This prompt allows you to expand and deepen a seemingly small or simple idea, topic, or concept. One example could be “stars,” in that you could describe stargazing as a child, counting them, recognizing constellations, and then transforming that initial captivation into a deeper appreciation of the cosmos as a whole, spurring a love of astronomy and physics.

Another example could be “language,” discussing how it has evolved and changed over the course of history, how it allows you to look deeper into different cultures, and how learning different languages stretches the mind. A tip for expanding on these topics and achieving specificity is to select particular details of the topic that you find intriguing and explain why.

For example, if you’re passionate about cooking or baking, you could use specific details by explaining, in depth, the intricate attention and artistry necessary to make a dish or dessert. You can delve into why certain spices or garnishes are superior in different situations, how flavors blend well together and can be mixed creatively, or even the chemistry differences between steaming, searing, and grilling.

Regardless of your topic, this prompt provides a great opportunity to display writing prowess through elegant, specific descriptions that leverage sensory details. Describing the beauty of the night sky, the rhythms and sounds of different languages, or the scent of a crème brûlée shows passion and captivation in a very direct, evocative way.

The key to writing this essay is answering the question of why something captivates you instead of simply ending with “I love surfing.” A tip would be to play off your senses (for applicable topics), think about what you see, feel, smell, hear, and taste.

In the case of surfing, the salty water, weightlessness of bobbing over the waves, and fresh air could cater to senses. Alternatively, for less physical topics, you can use a train of thought and descriptions to show how deeply and vividly your mind dwells on the topic.

Well-executed trains of thought or similar tactics are successful ways to convey passion for a certain topic. To answer what or who you turn to when you want to learn more, you can be authentic and honest—if it’s Wikipedia, a teacher, friend, YouTube Channel, etc., you simply have to show how you interact with the medium.

When brainstorming this particular essay, a tip would be to use a web diagram, placing the topic in the middle and thinking about branching characteristics, themes, or concepts related to the topic that are directly engaging and captivating to you. In doing so, you’ll be able to gauge the depth of the topic and whether it will suffice for this prompt.

In the following example, a student shares their journey as they learn to appreciate a piece of their culture’s cuisine.

As a wide-eyed, naive seven-year-old, I watched my grandmother’s rough, wrinkled hands pull and knead mercilessly at white dough until the countertop was dusted in flour. She steamed small buns in bamboo baskets, and a light sweetness lingered in the air. Although the mantou looked delicious, their papery, flat taste was always an unpleasant surprise. My grandmother scolded me for failing to finish even one, and when I complained about the lack of flavor she would simply say that I would find it as I grew older. How did my adult relatives seem to enjoy this Taiwanese culinary delight while I found it so plain?

During my journey to discover the essence of mantou, I began to see myself the same way I saw the steamed bun. I believed that my writing would never evolve beyond a hobby and that my quiet nature crippled my ambitions. Ultimately, I thought I had little to offer the world. In middle school, it was easy for me to hide behind the large personalities of my friends, blending into the background and keeping my thoughts company. Although writing had become my emotional outlet, no matter how well I wrote essays, poetry, or fiction, I could not stand out in a sea of talented students. When I finally gained the confidence to submit my poetry to literary journals but was promptly rejected, I stepped back from my work to begin reading from Whitman to Dickinson, Li-Young Lee to Ocean Vuong. It was then that I realized I had been holding back a crucial ingredient–my distinct voice. 

Over time, my taste buds began to mature, as did I. Mantou can be flavored with pork and eggplant, sweetened in condensed milk, and moistened or dried by the steam’s temperature. After I ate the mantou with each of these factors in mind, I noticed its environment enhanced a delicately woven strand of sweetness beneath the taste of side dishes: the sugar I had often watched my grandmother sift into the flour. The taste was nearly untraceable, but once I grasped it I could truly begin to cherish mantou. In the same way the taste had been lost to me for years, my writer’s voice had struggled to shine through because of my self-doubt and fear of vulnerability.

As I acquired a taste for mantou, I also began to strengthen my voice through my surrounding environment. With the support of my parents, peer poets, and the guidance of Amy Tan and the Brontё sisters, I worked tirelessly to uncover my voice: a subtle strand of sweetness. Once I stopped trying to fit into a publishing material mold and infused my uninhibited passion for my Taiwanese heritage into my writing, my poem was published in a literary journal. I wrote about the blatant racism Asians endured during coronavirus, and the editor of Skipping Stones Magazine was touched by both my poem and my heartfelt letter. I opened up about being ridiculed for bringing Asian food to school at Youth Leadership Forum, providing support to younger Asian-American students who reached out with the relief of finding someone they could relate to. I embraced writing as a way to convey my struggle with cultural identity. I joined the school’s creative writing club and read my pieces in front of an audience, honing my voice into one that flourishes out loud as well.

Now, I write and speak unapologetically, falling in love with a voice that I never knew I had. It inspires passion within my communities and imparts tenacity to Asian-American youth, rooting itself deeply into everything I write. Today, my grandmother would say that I have finally unearthed the taste of mantou as I savor every bite with a newfound appreciation. I can imagine her hands shaping the dough that has become my voice, and I am eager to share it with the world.

Your GPA and SAT don’t tell the full admissions story

We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools!

This prompt allows you to express what you want to express if it doesn’t align directly with the other prompts. While this prompt is very open-ended, it doesn’t mean you can adapt any essay you’ve written and think it will suffice. Always refer back to the Strategy section of this article and make sure the topic and essay of your choice addresses the Core Four questions necessary for a good Common App essay.

This prompt, more than the others, poses a high risk but also a high-potential reward. Writing your own question allows you to demonstrate individuality and confidence. Here, you can craft an innovative essay that tackles a difficult topic (for example, whether to raise or lower taxes) or presents information with a unique format (such as a conversation with an historical figure).

We encourage you to try something unconventional for this prompt, like comparing your personality to a Picasso painting, using an extended philosophical metaphor to describe your four years of high school, or writing in a poetic style to display your love of poetry. If you are extremely passionate about a topic or an expert in a certain area, for example Renaissance technology or journalism during World War II, you can use this prompt to show your authority on a subject by discussing it at a high level.

Be careful to frame the essay in a way that is accessible to the average reader while still incorporating quality evidence and content that would qualify you as an expert. As always, exercise caution in writing about controversial social or political topics, and always make sure to consider your audience and what they’re looking for in a student.

Sometimes an unconventional essay can capture Admissions Officers’ attention and move them in a profound way; other times, the concept can fly completely over their heads. Be sure to execute the essay clearly and justify your decision by seeking high-quality feedback from reliable sources. As always, the essay should demonstrate something meaningful about you, whether it is your personality, thought process, or values.

Here’s what the experts have to say about this prompt…

This prompt, like the others, is really asking you to tell the story of who you are. Your essay should be personal and should talk about something significant that has shaped your identity.

Here are a few broad themes that can work well: academic interest; culture, values, and diversity; extracurricular interests; and your impact on the community. You should highlight one of these themes using creative, vividly descriptive narrative. Make sure to not fall into the common pitfall of talking about something else -- an extracurricular activity, for example -- more than yourself.

A student I advised had a great idea to respond to this prompt -- an essay about how they do their best thinking while sitting on a tree branch near their home. Not only was it unique and personal, but it allowed the student to show what they think about, dream about, and value. That's the main goal for any applicant responding to prompt 7.

Alex Oddo Advisor on CollegeVine

All of the Common App prompts are broad in scope, but this one really takes the cake! I typically advise using the first six prompts as guardrails for your brainstorm, but in doing so, you may come up with a topic that doesn’t cleanly fit with any of the first six prompts. That’s where this prompt can come in handy.

Or, you might have an idea that’s really out there (like writing about your love of sonnets as a series of sonnets). Essentially, this prompt is a good fit for essays that are anywhere from slightly unconventional to extremely atypical.

If this all feels a bit confusing - don’t worry! How you write your story is much more important than what prompt you end up choosing. At the end of the day, these are just guides to help you cultivate a topic and are not meant to stress you out.

Priya Desai Advisor on CollegeVine

Students who want to complete the CommonApp’s seventh prompt need to have already gone through the other prompts and determined that their story cannot fit with those. Thus, generally speaking, I advise my students to not use the final prompt unless it is absolutely necessary.

If an admission officer believes that your essay could have been used with one of the other prompts, this may lead them to have a perception about you as a student that might not be accurate.

Nevertheless, as my colleagues have pointed out, what matters is the essay the most and not necessarily the prompt. That being said, the test of whether or not you as a student can follow directions is part of the prompt selection and how well you answer it. If you choose the final prompt and yet your answer could work with another available prompt, this will not put you in your best light.

In conclusion, only use this prompt when absolutely necessary, and remember that the purpose of the personal statement is to give the admissions officers a glimpse into who you are as a person, so you want to use this space to showcase beautiful you.

Veronica Prout Advisor on CollegeVine

Where to get your common app essay edited.

At selective schools, your essays account for around 25% of your admissions decision. That’s more than grades (20%) and test scores (15%), and almost as much as extracurriculars (30%). Why is this? Most students applying to top schools will have stellar academics and extracurriculars. Your essays are your chance to stand out and humanize your application. That’s why it’s vital that your essays are engaging, and present you as someone who would enrich the campus community.

Before submitting your application, you should have someone else review your essays. That’s why we created our free  Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, byu application—what kind of questions should i expect.

Hi, I'm starting to work on my BYU application and I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what kind of questions the application will have? Are there essay prompts? If so, what topics do they cover? Thanks in advance!

Hello! It's great that you're getting started on your BYU application. While the specific questions and prompts might change slightly from year to year, CollegeVine offers an annually updated breakdown of all the prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-brigham-young-university-essays

When approaching these essays, consider how you can convey your unique experiences and personality while demonstrating your alignment with BYU's mission and values. Make sure to check the current application for the most up-to-date prompts before starting your essays. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Welcome to the Unofficial Subreddit for Brigham Young University! Feel free to contribute to the community by discussing anything and everything BYU-Related!

Essay prompt

Hi, I'm going to be applying for fall 2021 and I just wanted some advice on what I should keep in my mind while writing the essay, what would they not like in the essay? What would impress them? What is the definition of a standout essay for them and most importantly what are they looking for in an essay? I really think these questions are important because some of my friends who had amazing gpa and sat scores have actually gotten rejected and the part of the reason I think why is because of their essay and I personally love BYU so I really wanna make sure i dont screw this up.

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Application Deadlines

All deadlines are 11:59 pm (mountain time). although our offices will close at 6:00 pm, the application will still be available online through 11:59 pm (mountain time)..

*Freshman applicants who meet the priority deadline will still be considered with all other applicants who apply by the final deadline and will not receive a decision any earlier. However, those that meet the priority deadline will receive extra consideration in the decision making process. In other words, meeting the priority deadline will factor in to our holistic review. Because every aspect of your application is considered in the holistic review, it is not possible to say how much the additional consideration will matter for a particular applicant.

BYU does not admit applicants who will be younger than 17 years of age by the first day of class of their first enrollment because of the intellectual, social, and emotional maturity required of university students.

*In order to be considered for eligible scholarships, transfer applicants must complete and submit the Admissions application as well as the BYU scholarship application by this deadline.

**Transfer applicants who apply by the December 15, 2023 (Fall 2024) deadline will receive their admission decision by this date.

*In order to be considered for eligible scholarships, former students must complete and submit the Admissions application as well as the BYU scholarship application by this deadline.

**Former students who apply by the earlier deadline will receive their admission decision by this date.

College Essay Builder

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“This course is a must for college applications! My daughter's coach was prompt in responding to emails, sending feedback on submitted essays, and encouraging and motivated my child to finish her essays. The materials presented in the course were informative and easy to follow. My daughter was able to view the materials and easily create an outline of her essay, draft an essay, and have a finished product that she was happy with and many individuals had helped edit it. TIP: Start early! We started mid-September and that was perfect timing to finish essays by the end of October.”

“College Essay Builder was incredibly beneficial in helping our son with the critical essay portion of his college applications. It helped him organize his thoughts and manage his writing time. The coaches are very knowledgeable about the essay writing process and helped clarify what colleges are looking for in each essay. We were also very impressed by how quickly our coach responded to all of our questions. We feel like we received great value for our investment in College Essay Builder. ”

“I was really struggling with the essay portion; College Essay Builder was a lifesaver in that department! Not only did my coach make it fun, she also helped me organize my thoughts and convey them in a way that was clear and concise; I was just trying to use filler words to meet a number count! She helped me rework my stories using helpful tips incorporated with my own experiences to make the essays more applicable and meaningful.”

“Susie was a tremendous help with my BYU essays. She helped me come up with ideas and phrase them in a way that accurately supported my ideas. Susie was very positive and supportive throughout the editing process and had excellent suggestions for changes. The essays were the extra strength that I needed to get into BYU.”

“Susie was a big help getting me into BYU. I had heard from everyone that the essays were the most important part of getting accepted and wanted to do a great job on them. Before I started working with Susie, I had ideas but wasn't sure what to write about. Susie gave me great advice and helped me brainstorm much better topics than what I originally had. After I wrote the essays, Susie gave me professional editing help so that the essays expressed my ideas how I wanted them to. Overall, I can guarantee that the help Susie gave me really increased my odds of getting into BYU.”

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Struggling with your BYU application essays? Get professional help before the December deadline

By college essay builder | posted - nov. 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., (college essay builder).

Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

Does your child have what it takes to get into BYU?

The stakes of getting accepted to BYU are getting higher and higher. It is estimated that over 12,000 students will apply to BYU — Provo this fall. And using last year's acceptance rates , more than 4,000 won't make the cut.

With such a large pool of applicants, the BYU Admissions Committee is often tasked with choosing between highly-qualified applicants who all meet the minimum requirements. And since BYU is not currently requiring standardized test scores, it is even more difficult for applicants to stand out.

With all of these factors, parents want to know:

"Is there anything I can do to improve my child's chances for acceptance to BYU?" The answer to this question is an absolute "yes!"

How the BYU application essays can make or break your child's acceptance

By the time your child begins their BYU application, nearly all of the application criteria (transcripts, activities, awards, etc.) is fixed and can't be influenced or changed — with one notable exception: the essays.

The BYU application essays have become one of the most critical ways your child will be evaluated by the admissions committee. This is because the essays are the best way for the committee to get to know your child on a personal level to determine how well they have demonstrated their preparation and alignment with the Mission and Aims of BYU .

In fact, the BYU essays are the only real controllable factor your child has at this point that can either help or hurt their chances of getting accepted.

The wrong way to write BYU application essays

Just sitting down to "knock out" the essays without understanding what BYU is looking for is a huge mistake. Successful BYU essays require deep introspection, multiple drafts and a good deal of pre-work. Students who don't allow time for these crucial activities end up writing sub-par BYU essays that suffer from one or more of the following issues:

Too generic

It isn't natural for most high-school seniors to be vulnerable and genuine. This often results in superficial essays that don't give enough information about your child for BYU admissions to complete a proper evaluation.

This year, BYU has shortened most of the essays by 500 characters. The lower the character count, the more difficult it is for students to effectively address everything the prompt is asking for. Consequently, students can easily spend too much of their essay telling a story but not allowing enough space for important connections and reflections.

No effective feedback

Most students work on their BYU essays right up to the deadline and don't have the proper time to get feedback and make revisions. If parents do read the essays, they often don't know how to provide the most helpful feedback. This cycle often results in substantial errors in essay structure, content and grammar.

The right way to write BYU application essays: The 3 most important questions

Susie Boyce, founder of College Essay Builder , has been helping students write BYU application essays since 2007. Over the years, she has discovered three fundamental questions that all successful BYU essays must effectively answer. These three questions are:

Do my child's essays show that they value the aims of a BYU education?

Each BYU essay should correlate directly to one or more of the Aims of a BYU Education . It is critical that the stories and examples your child uses in their essays make the connection clear and personal. A close look at the BYU admissions website emphasizes that BYU uses the aims to evaluate all areas of the application — especially the essays.

Do my child's essays help them stand out from thousands of other applicants?

This fall, BYU will receive more than 70,000 essays. Given the sheer volume, how will you ensure your child's essays stand out and are memorable for all the right reasons?

The key to this question is helping your child identify events, people and stories from their life that highlight their genuine and unique experiences. This requires vulnerability; the essays should tell compelling stories showing your child's journey, growth and transformation. These personal stories can become the heart of each essay, connecting the reader to your child in an unforgettable way.

Do my child's essays demonstrate their character, values, testimony and potential as a BYU student?

BYU has provided some direct expectations about what they want to see in your child's essay on their admissions website :

"...make sure you read the prompt and answer what's being asked. If there's something about you we should know, make sure to include it in your essay responses!"

Why does BYU want your child to share so much? Because the essays are the best chance admissions counselors have to understand and evaluate your child's character, values, testimony and potential as a BYU student.

To effectively do this, your child must address each prompt completely and deeply. Take time to identify stories and examples that showcase how they have grown and developed in these four areas and write conclusions that make a powerful connection to what BYU is looking for.

The bottom line

You can do something to improve your child's chances for acceptance to BYU. Helping your child write their best BYU application essays is the most important way you can accomplish this goal.

But you don't have to do this alone. College Essay Builder has created a comprehensive application essay course for BYU that leads your child step-by-step through the process of writing all the BYU application essays. With the help of videos, downloads, templates and examples, your child will be writing their best BYU essays faster and more effectively than any other method.

In this course your child will learn:

• How to personalize the BYU Aims and meaningfully connect them to each essay.
• How to identify and tell compelling personal stories that demonstrate their potential as a successful BYU student.
• How to approach each essay prompt to address BYU's specific expectations.
• How to start each essay to "hook" the reader.
• How to conclude each essay to make a powerful connection.
• How to write clear and concise paragraphs that answer each prompt completely and deeply.
• How to edit and revise their essays utilizing proprietary feedback guides.

The stakes are too high to not do everything you can to help your child get accepted.

And the most controllable thing you can do right now is to help them write their best BYU essays by enrolling them in the "The Complete Guide to Writing the BYU Application Essays" Pro Course today.

And for a limited time, use the coupon code KSL50 to get $50 off the full course price.

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